Golf ball washer



Sept. 13, 1966 w. F. THOMPSON GOLF BALL WASHER 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 50, 1965 ,fm in m., im,

BY fl? ATTOR NEYS' sept. 13, 1966 W. F. THOMPSON GOLF BALL WASHER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 30, 1965 FIGS INVENTOR WOODROW F. THOMPSON ATTORNEYJ' United States Patent O 3,271,802 GOLF BALL WASHER Woodrow F. Thompson, Highway 80 W., Forest, Miss. Filed July 30, 1965, Ser. No. 475,967 13 Claims. (Cl. 15-21) The present invention relates to golf equipment cleaning devices, and more particularly to an improved portable cleaning unit for cleaning golf balls, golf clubs, golf shoes, golf bags and other golfing accessories.

Most golf courses provide golf ball washers at a few selected places to permit golfers to periodically clean their golf balls. Often, however, the need for cleaning a golf ball arises at a position removed from such washers. Moreover, the types of washers provided on golf courses are frequently out of order, or so poorly maintained as to afford inadequate cleaning. Recognizing these deficiences, golfers often carry brushes, rags, towels or other cleaning devices for cleaning their golf balls. In addition, golfers commonly carry devices for cleaning mud, dirt and other debris from their shoes, clubs, bags, etc. Several types of cleaning implements and portable golf ball washers have been devised to aid the golfer, but these are somewhat Iburdensome in that they are difficult to keep track of and constitute additional weight whi-ch which must be carried around the golf course. Accordingly, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide a compact, lightweight, relatively inexpensive portable cleaning unit which a golfer may conveniently carry with him for cleaning his golf balls, clubs, shoes, golf bag, golf cart, golf cart wheels and other golfing accessories.

The cleaning units of the present invention comprise, essentially, a casing, brushes for cleaning a golf ball, a golf ball holder, and auxiliary brushes `and Scrapers for cleaning other golfing equipment. In one embodiment the golf ball holder is secured in the casing and the brushes for cleaning the ball are on an implement which may be reciprocated in the casing. The auxiliary brushes and scrapers are also secured on the implement. In a second embodiment the ball cleaning brushes are secured around the inner peripheral wall of the casing and the ball holder is reciprocated in the casing, with the auxiliary brushes secured to the ball holder.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the portable golf equipment cleaning unit of this invention with the casing cover and cleaning implement removed and part of the cleaning unit broken away to disclose its interior;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side elevation View of the unit shown in FIGURE l taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional plan view of the unit shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG- URE `2;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective View of a modified form of a cleaning unit constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention with the casing cover and golf ball holder-auxiliary cleaning implement removed for clarity;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional side elevation of the unit shown in FIGURE 4 taken along the line 5-5 of FIG- URE 6;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional plan view of the unit of FIGURES 4 and 5 taken along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 5; and

FIGURE 7 is a sectional plan view of the ball holder- "ice auxiliary cleaning implement shown in FIGURE 4 taken along the line 7-7 thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG- URES 1-3 one preferred embodiment of a portable golf equipment cleaning unit 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. The unit 10 includes a casing 12 having a cover 14, a golf ball holder 16 and a cleaning implement 18.

The casing 12 is adapted to contain water or cleaning fluid, and includes a clip 20 for attaching the unit to -a golf bag, golf cart or electric cart or the like. The removable cover 14 includes an apertured first flange 22 for connecting the cover to the clip 20 of the casing and a second flange or tab 24 opposite the first flange to facilitate removal of the cover from the casing. The cover may be made of plastic or rubber and includes a skirt 25 which tits over the top of casing 12 to seal in the water or cleaning fluid.

The golf ball holder 16 includes a base member 26 which may be secured to the bottom 28 of the container by any suitable means (not shown), an upstanding post or stem 30, and ay golf Iball retaining ring 31 and two leaf springs 32, 32 for holding the golf ball 34. The leaf springs 32, 32 are disposed approximately 90 from the plane of the retaining ring 31, as best shown in FIGURE 3.

The cleaning implement 18 includes a tubular shell 36 having a top 38 and inner and outer surfaces 40 and 42. A plurality of cleaning bristles 44 are secured to the inner surface 40 and extend inwardly for cleaning the golf ball 34 in the holder 16, and a plurality of different types of auxiliary cleaning bristles and Scrapers are secured to the outer surface 42 for cleaning other golfing equipment. Relatively light, exible bristles 46 for cleaning golf club faces and the tops of golf shoes, somewhat heavier, harder plastic or metal bristles 48 for cleaning around the sole edges and cleats of golf shoes, and relatively heavy, hard metal scraping bristles 50 for cleaning hard mud from the grooves in golf club faces and sticky mud from the cleats of golf shoes may be provided, for example.

The cleaning implement 18 is loosely disposed in the casing 12 and surrounds the golf ball holder 16. A handle or knob 52 is secured to the top 38 of the implement to facilitate handling the implement to perform its cleaning functions.

In operation, to clean a golf ball 34, the cover 14 is removed from the casing 12, and the ball is placed in the retaining ring 31 of the holder 16 between leaf springs 32. The cleaning implement 18 is then grasped by the handle 52 and reciprocated up and down in the container so that the bristles 44 will brush and clean the surface of the ball. Water or cleaning uid may be employed in the casing to aid the cleaning operation.

As best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the sets of bristles 44 may be disposed along lines at an angle to the vertical and horizontal, whereby the ball will be rotated in the retaining ring as the cleaning implement is reciprocated up and down. As `best shown in FIGURE 3, each of the three groups of bristles 44 may be cut to form Vs, and this will also help to rotate and clean the ball. The longer bristles at the sides of each group will, of course, be more flexible than the shorter bristles near the center. The spacing of the bristles will depend on the bristle materials used.

If the golfer desires to clean his golf shoes (tops, soles or cleats), golf clubs (grooves or smooth faces), golf bag, golf cart, golf cart wheels, or any other of his equipment, he may remove the cleaning implement 18 from the container 12 and employ any of the sets of auxiliary cleaning bristles or Scrapers 46, 48, 50. If water or cleaning fluid is used in the casing the golfer may repeatedly dip the implement 18 in the liuid to aid his cleaning operation.

While the casing 12 and cleaning implement 18 are shown as having triangular configurations, it is contemplated, of course, that either may be designed in any suitable shape. Similarly, each may =be made in one integral piece (as shown) or in separate pieces secured together.

In the modified form of thecleaning unit 60 shown in FIGURES 4-7, the bristles for cleaning golf balls are attached to the inner surfaces of the casing and the auxiliary cleaning brushes and Scrapers are attached to a combination ball holder-auxiliary cleaning implement which is reciprocable in the casing.

The casing 62 and cover 64 are identical to the casing i12 and cover 14 of the FIGURES l-3 embodiment, except that T-shaped grooves `66 are proved on the inner surface 68 of the casing for receiving the T-shaped edges of the panels 70 for golf ball cleaning bristles '72. A plurality of sets of T -shaped grooves are provided at varying distances from the inner surface 68, whereby the brushes may be moved closer to or further from the center of the casing to compensate or adjust for wearing down of the bristles. Like the bristles 44 in the FIG- URES 1-3 embodiment, bristles 72 are angled and cut to form Vs at their inner surfaces to facilitate the cleaning operation.

A golf ball 74 is loosely held in the retaining ring 76 and leaf springs 7S, 78 of a combination golf ball holderauxiliary cleaning implement 80. The implement includes a stem 82 connected to the retaining ring, and a handle portion 84 -on the free end of the stem. Attached to the peripheral surface of the stem are cleaning brushes and/ or scrapers 86, 88, 90 corresponding to the brushes 46, 48, 50 on the implement `13 in the FIGURES l-3 embodiment. As explained above, these auxiliary brushes may be employed by a golfer to clean his golf shoes, golf bag, golf clubs, etc The auxiliary brushes may be dipped in water or cleaning solution held in the casing 62 to facilitate the cleaning operation.

In operation, a golf ball is cleaned by placing it in retaining ring 76 and leaf springs 78 and reciprocating the implement 8i?, by handle 84, up and down in the casing 62. To clean golf shoes, golf clubs, golf bags, etc., the golf ball holder-cleaning implement 80 is removed from the casing 62 and the brushes and/or Scrapers 86, 88, 90 are employed. T-he casing 62 may be filled with water or cleaning fluid to facilitate all types of cleaning operations.

The casing 62 and stem 82, while .shown as having triangular configurations, may, of course, be designed in any suitable shape.

As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention provides a much-needed compact cleaning unit which may be conveniently carried by golfer for cleaning various golling equipment.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in f-orm and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit-and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit comprising:

(a) a casing having an inner surface;

(b) a golf ball holding means disposed in said casing at approximately the center thereof, and adapted to loosely hold a golf ball;

(c) means for holding a plurality of golf ball cleaning bristles disposed in said casing around said golf ball holding implement;

(d) means allowing relative reciprocating movement between said golf ball cleaning bristle holding means 4and said golf ball holding means, whereby said bristles will clean a golf ball held in said holding implement; and

(e) a plurality of auxiliary cleaning bristles secured to one of said relatively reciprocable means for cleaning golf shoes, golf clubs, golf bags or other golfing equipment.

2. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim ll, wherein said casing includes an outer surface having means for attaching said unit to a golf bag or the like; and further including a cover member provided with means for detachably securing it on the top of said casing.

3. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim `l, wherein said means for holding .a plurality of golf ball cleaning bristles comprise panels which are secured to the inner surface of said casing; and further including means on the inner surface of said casing `for securing .said panels at varying distances from the center of said casing for compensating for `wearing of said bristles.

4. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim l, wherein said golf ball cleaning bristles are secured to said bristle holding means along lines disposed at an angle relative to horizontal and vertical lines, whereby a golf ball held in said golf ball holding means will be rotated in response lto relative reciprocating movement between said golf ball Iholding means and said golf ball cleaning bristle holding means.

5. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim It, wherein said auxiliary cleaning bristles include a set of relatively soft, flexible bristles, a set of relatively hard, stiff bristles, and a set of substantially rigid scraping bristles.

6. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit comprising:

(a) a casing having an inner surface;

(b) a plurality of golf ball cleaning bristles secured to said inner surface of said casing and extending radially inwardly therefrom for cleaning a golf ball disposed in approximately the center of said casing; and

(c) a golf ball holding-auxiliary cleaning implement adapted to be reciprocated in approximately the center of said casing; said implement including means for loosely holding a golf ball, a stem attached at one end to said golf ball holding means, and a plurality of auxiliary cleaning bristles attached to said stem for cleaning golf shoes, golf clubs, golf bags and various other types of golfing equipment.

7. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim 6, wherein said casing includes an outer surface having means for attaching said unit to a golf bag or the like; and further including a cover member provided with means for detachably securing it on the top of said casmg.

8. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim 6, wherein said plurality of golf ball cleaning bristles are secured to panels which are secured to the inner surface of said casing; and further including means on the inner surface of said casing lfor securing said panels at varying distances from the center yof said casing for compensating for wearing of said bristles.

9. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim 6, wherein said golf ball cleaning bristles are secured to said casing inner surface along lines disposed at an angle relative to horizontal and vertical lines, whereby a golf ball held in said golf ball hol-ding implement will be rotated when said holding implement is reciprocated in said casing relative to said golf ball cleaning bristles.

10. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined in claim 6, wherein said auxiliary' cleaning bristles include a ,set of relatively soft, flexible bristles, a set of relatively hard, stiff bristles, and a set of substantially rigid scraping bristles.

5 6 1K1. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit comprisdisposed along lines disposed at an angle relative to horiing: zontal and vertical lines, whereby said ball will be rotated (a) a casing; in said golf ball holding implement when said cleaning im- (b) a golf ball holder secured in said casing and adapted plement is reciprocated in said casing.

t-o loosely hold a golf ball in approximately the cen- 5 -13. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit as defined ter of said casing; and in claim 11, wherein said auxiliary cleaning bristles in- (c) a cleaning implement disposed in said casing clude a set of relatively soft, ilexible bristles, a set of around said golf ball holder; said implement inrelatively hard, stiff bristles, and a set of substantially cluding a tubular shell member having inner and rigid scraping bristles.

outer surfaces, a plurality 'of golf ball cleaning 10 n bristles secured to the inner surface of said shell References Clted by the EXmlllel' and extending radially inwardly for cleaning a golf UNITED STATES PATENTS ball held by said golf ball holder, and la plurality of k auxiliary cleaning bristles attached to the outer surgandtewort et al f-ace of said shell for cleaning golf shoes, golf clubs, 15 3101497 8/1963 fgolzl 15:21'1

golf bass and varlous other types 0f golfing 3,221,355 12/1965 Grommets 15 160 equipment; s-aid cleaning implement being reciproca- -ble in said casing relative to said go'lf ball holder. 12. A portable golf equipment cleaning unit las dened CHARLES A' WILLMUTH P'lmary Examiner' lin claim 111, wherein said golf ball cleaning bristles are 20 E. ROBERTS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A PORTABLE GOLF EQUIPMENT CLEANING UNIT COMPRISING: (A) A CASING HAVING AN INNER SURFACE; (B) A GOLF BALL HOLING MEANS DISPOSED IN SAID CASING AT APPROXIMATELY THE CENTER THREROF, AND ADAPTED TO LOOSELY HOLD A GOLF BALL; (C) MEANS FOR HOLDING A PLURALITY OF GOLF BALL CLEANING BRISTLES DISPOSED IN SAID CASING AROUND SAID GOLF BALL HOLDING IMPLEMENT; (D) MEANS ALLOWING RELATIVE RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT BETWEEN SAID GOLF BALL CLEANING BRISTLE HOLDING MEANS AND SAID GOLF HOLDING MEANS, WHEREBY SAID BRISTLES WILL CLEAN A GOLF BALL HELD IN SAID HOLDING IMPLEMENT; AND 